[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Secaucus 5-6-24 as Ord. No. 49. Sections 12-4 and 12-8 amended 5-14-74. Amended in entirety 9-13-88 by Ord. No. 88-32. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
The Fire Department of the Town of Secaucus shall consist of five companies not exceeding 110 members, and one Chief, one Deputy Chief, and one Battalion Chief. The said Fire Department shall be organized in accordance with and subject to this chapter.
A. 
1. 
It shall be the responsibility of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Secaucus to appoint such firefighters who meet the qualifications set forth in this chapter, and to approve transfers of firefighters within the Department, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.
[Amended 2-13-91 by Ord. No. 91-6]
2. 
Any applicant seeking to become a Secaucus Volunteer Firefighter, whose application is not recommended by the Fire Chief to the Mayor and Council for appointment or transfer, shall be afforded the opportunity to appeal such decision of the Fire Chief before Mayor and Council by filing notice thereof with the Secaucus Town Clerk within 30 days of such denial. The Mayor and Council may affirm or reverse the decision/recommendation of the Fire Chief, or remand the matter to the Fire Chief to act in a manner not inconsistent with their opinion respecting the application. The Mayor and Council or the Fire Chief shall not waive any qualification requirement, except as may be provided for herein.
B. 
Qualifications of firefighters. Each member of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department shall meet, and continue to meet, the following qualifications:
[Amended 4-11-06 by Ord. No. 4-2006]
1. 
(a) 
Be a member of the Fire Department at the passing of this ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 2006-4, codified herein as Subsection B, was adopted April 11, 2006.
(b) 
Be a citizen of the United States or have current legal status within the United States and be a resident of the Town of Secaucus.
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
2. 
Be a minimum of 18 years old.
3. 
Be of sound mind.
[Amended 2-13-91 by Ord. No. 91-6]
4. 
(a) 
Have no physical disorders, which shall be more particularly evaluated by a physician at an industrial type medical clinic as designated by the Mayor and Council and such physician shall provide a written medical report to the Mayor and Council recommending the approval or rejection of the individual as a firefighter.
(b) 
Any firefighter upon attaining the age of 55 shall have a pulmonary/cardiovascular examination every two years. Within 90 days of the effective date of this subsection,[2] all firefighters over the age of 55 shall comply with this subsection requiring pulmonary/cardiovascular examinations. All bills incurred for this exam shall be the responsibility of the Town of Secaucus.
[2]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 2006-4, codified herein as Subsection B, was adopted April 11, 2006.
(c) 
Any firefighter who becomes aware of having heart disease, epilepsy or emphysema shall report such conditions to the Fire Chief, and such firefighter cannot continue to be a firefighter unless a physician's certificate is provided that certifies that such firefighter is fit to participate as a firefighter, the Fire Chief may require such firefighter to undergo a physical examination as required by Section 12-2B4(a).
(d) 
A physical examination of any firefighter may be ordered upon the recommendation of a captain, and with the concurrence of the Fire Chief, or the Fire Chief acting alone.
5. 
Have a valid New Jersey driver's license. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted for all applicants and shall be satisfactory to the Department in accordance with Town policy. Applicants and members shall provide any necessary information and complete any necessary documents for a motor vehicle check to be conducted.
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
6. 
(a) 
Shall have served as a probationary firefighter with the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department for at least one year, and such person shall have passed a medical exam. As required by Section 12-2B4 hereof, within two years of such acceptance by a fire company; and
[Amended 7-27-10 by Ord. No. 2010-29]
(b) 
Have completed Firefighter 1 course of any fire academy recognized by the State of New Jersey and approved by the Fire Chief; or have served as a firefighter in any paid or volunteer fire department or have engaged in any active firefighting duties in any government fire department.
7. 
Having no facial hair which, in the sole discretion of the Mayor and Council, would prevent effective use of a Scot-pack type breathing apparatus. As a qualification of membership each of the said members shall, at the time of appointment and at all time thereafter, be and remain clean-shaven with the exception, however, of those members who as of June 1985 and continuously thereafter: (a) were members of a company; and (b) wore and continue to wear beards. The maximum number of members in each of the companies shall be increased by the number of members of such company who are exempted from the requirement that members be clean-shaven, and such maximum number of members shall be reduced by one to the number provided in this chapter as each member exempted from the requirements that members be clean-shaven terminates, or is terminated from membership, or loses his exemption. However, reduction in maximum membership resulting from a member's loss of exemption shall not require the termination of any other member to reduce a company to its maximum membership.
8. 
Be of good moral character, and not act or have acted in any way to reflect unfavorably upon the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department or the Town of Secaucus.
[Amended 2-13-91 by Ord. No. 91-6]
9. 
Criminal history background checks.
[Added 3-28-17 by Ord. No. 2017-7]
(a) 
Applicants and current members shall execute a waiver or consent form allowing the Chief of Police or his designee, which may be a third party, to conduct federal, state and local criminal history background checks. For applicants, checks shall be performed at time of initial application and at least every four years from date of official acceptance by the Mayor and Council by resolution as a member of the Department, or as ordered by the Chief of Police. For current members at the time of enactment, the Fire Chief shall establish a phase-in period for implementation and all current members shall comply with background checks within said time and subsequent checks be done at least every four years from the date of the initial check, or as ordered by the Chief of Police.
The Town shall pay for the cost associated with conducting the background check(s). The applicant or firefighter shall authorize the Chief of Police to be the recipient of the affirmation or negative response of the background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division, the State Police or other entity.
(b) 
An applicant or firefighter shall not be given an appointment or allowed to continue to serve as a firefighter in the Town of Secaucus in the event a background check discloses a lack of good moral character, willful falsification of any information on the application for appointment submitted in accordance with this chapter, or convictions for the below specified crimes or offenses. For purposes of this subsection, such crimes and offenses shall include, but not be limited to:
[1] 
Involving danger to the person, meaning those crimes and disorderly persons offenses set forth in N.J.S.A. 2C:11, et seq. (criminal homicide), N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1, et seq. (assault; stalking reckless endangering; threats), N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1, et seq. (kidnapping and related offenses), N.J.S.A. 2C:14-1 et seq. (sexual offenses), or N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 et seq. (robbery); or
[2] 
Involving a first, second, third or fourth degree crime or any indictable level crime; or
[3] 
Involving theft as set forth in Chapter 20 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or
[4] 
Involving any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog as set forth in Chapter 35 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or
[5] 
Involving any offense related to fires, arson, fire starting or false public alarms; or
[6] 
Involving any crime or offense that touches upon the ability to properly and adequately serve as a firefighter; or
[7] 
In any other state or jurisdiction, conduct which, if committed in New Jersey, would constitute any of the crimes or disorderly person's offenses described above.
(c) 
The list of crimes and violations contained in this subsection is for illustrative purposes only and shall not be construed as a limitation on those criminal activities or violations that would be grounds to disqualify a person from being a firefighter as indicated herein.
(d) 
Refusal to submit to a background check will result in an immediate dismissal or non-approval of a firefighter.
(e) 
For an applicant or firefighter who can demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that they have been rehabilitated, disqualification based on the above list of crimes and violations in paragraph (b) or in accordance with paragraph (c) may be reviewed at the discretion of the Chief of Police and Fire Chief. Factors that may be considered in any review shall include: 1) the nature and circumstances surrounding the offense, 2) the date of the offense, 3) the age of the applicant or firefighter at the time of the offense, 4) whether the offense was an isolated or repeat offense or incident, and 5) any information provided on rehabilitative efforts taken by the applicant or firefighter, which may include but is not limited to, completion of time served, work release and/or community service, good behavior during rehabilitative period, therapeutic and/or psychiatric treatment received, academic or vocational training participated in, and recommendations from individuals who supervised or were involved in the rehabilitative efforts of the applicant or firefighter.
C. 
Each firefighter shall continue to qualify by meeting such qualifications set forth in Section 12-2B while he is an active member of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department. The Chief of the Department is hereby authorized and directed to determine, from time to time, that each firefighter is currently qualified by meeting such standards.
[Amended 3-28-17 by Ord. No. 2017-7]
D. 
Each engine company and hose company shall maintain a minimum number of qualified members:
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
(1) 
Engine Company No. 1: No less than 12 qualified members.
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
(2) 
Engine Company No. 3: No less than 12 qualified members.
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
(3) 
Engine Company No. 2/Fire Rescue No. 1: No less than 17 qualified members.
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
(4) 
Tower No. 2: No less than 12 qualified members.
[Amended 10-11-88 by Ord. No. 88-32; 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
(5) 
Engine Company No. 4/Ladder 1: No less than 17 qualified members.
[Amended 10-11-88 by Ord. No. 88-32; 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
E. 
The Secaucus Fire Department shall be permitted to maintain a junior firefighter program. Each member of the Secaucus Junior Firefighter Program shall meet and abide by the following:
[Added 5-13-14 by Ord. No. 2014-14]
(1) 
Be a minimum of 16 years of age and will not have passed their eighteenth (18th) birthday.
(2) 
Be a citizen of the United States or have current legal status within the United States and be a resident of the Town of Secaucus.
[Amended 1-9-18 by Ord. No. 2017-27]
(3) 
Be physically fit to perform the duties of a junior firefighter and be evidenced by a certificate to that effect, made by a practicing physician of the State of New Jersey approved by the Town.
(4) 
Provide any and all information and documentation requested on the program application, and submit such to the Fire Chief or his designee.
(5) 
Provide any and all documentation of consent from a parent or legal guardian as requested by the Town and the Fire Department. This may include, but not be limited to, consent to participate in the Junior Firefighter Program, birth certificate, waiver of liability, and consent to allow for emergency medical treatment.
(6) 
As set forth in Section 12-2A, it shall be the responsibility of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Secaucus to appoint such junior firefighters who meet the qualifications set forth in this chapter, and to approve transfers of junior firefighters within the Department, upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief. Any applicant whose application is not recommended by the Fire Chief to the Mayor and Council shall follow the procedures as set forth in Section 12-2A.
(7) 
Junior firefighters shall not be permitted to operate any fire department vehicles, vehicle apparatus or any other equipment specified in the Junior Firefighter Program Policy.
(8) 
Junior firefighters in good standing with the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department are entitled to allowances for active periods of service in the Department as set forth in §12-21.
[Amended 7-23-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-27]
(9) 
Junior firefighters do not have any voting rights within the Department.
(10) 
The Secaucus Junior Firefighter Program shall be governed by all policies approved by the Mayor and Council.
(11) 
Junior firefighters shall be required to follow all policies, rules and regulations of the Secaucus Fire Department and of the Secaucus Junior Firefighter Program, as well as, any orders of any commanding officers.
(12) 
Any junior firefighter who violates any policy, rule or regulation may be suspended, dismissed or subject to any other discipline as the conduct or action so requires.
A. 
Fire companies may only be established with the consent of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Secaucus. No less than 12 qualified members nor more than 20 qualified members shall be required for permission by the Mayor and Council to organize as an engine/hose company, and no less than 17 qualified members nor more than 25 qualified members shall be required to form a hook and ladder company. Any newly formed companies shall be subject to compliance with this chapter.
B. 
Each company shall establish a Membership Committee consisting of not more than 15 members which shall be solely responsible for evaluating and ruling upon applications for membership. The committee shall, within 60 days of receipt of a membership application by an applicant, report to the company as to whether or not such person qualifies for membership. Applicants reported upon favorably for membership shall be admitted in the order in which their applications were received, such admission shall be in accordance with this chapter.
[Amended 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
A. 
The term of Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, and Battalion Chief shall each be for two years, and shall commence as of January 1 of each year.
B. 
Battalion Chief.
[Amended 2-14-1989 by Ord. No. 89-8; 11-27-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-41; 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-27]
1. 
The Battalion Chief, who, in order to qualify must have served as Captain of his respective company for at least two years, shall be elected for a two-year term by ballot of the members of the Fire Department. Such Battalion Chief shall be elected from that company where it is designated by order of rotation to have such Battalion Chief elected. The order of rotation is as follows: first from Engine Company No. 1, then from Engine Company No. 3, then Engine Company No. 2/Rescue No. 1, then Tower No. 2, and then Truck Company No. 1/Engine Company No. 4 (no preference is implied by this order of rotation).
2. 
Nominations for Battalion Chief shall be made in October of the appropriate year, with a deadline of October 31. The election shall be conducted in November, prior to November 30 between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the firehouse from where the new Battalion Chief is to be elected, and one member of each company selected by such company shall act as an inspector of such election; one inspector shall be designated the head of the election committee. Said inspectors shall supervise the election, by secret ballot, and shall thereupon proceed to take the votes of the Department; the person receiving the greatest number of votes for Battalion Chief shall be declared elected, subject to the approval of the Mayor and Council, and the head of the committee shall report the results to the Mayor and Council at the first meeting thereafter. Such person shall be confirmed by the Mayor and Council, or the Mayor and Council may choose, for good cause, not to confirm such person whereupon a new election shall be held. The filing of absentee ballots from all members of the Fire Department who are unable to vote in person at such election shall be permitted, provided that such absentee ballots are received prior to such election; the Fire Chief may establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectuate such absentee ballot voting procedure.
3. 
The election date shall be selected by the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department Mutual Association in consultation with the three chiefs, and the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department Mutual Association shall provide written notice to the senior officer for each firehouse at least 14 days' prior to the election. Written notice of the election shall be prominently posted at each firehouse at least 10 days' prior to the election. Nomination and election dates may be changed for cause by the Fire Chief upon approval of the Mayor and Council.
C. 
At the expiration of the term of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief shall become the Chief. After the expiration of the term of the Deputy Chief, the Battalion Chief shall become the Deputy Chief.
D. 
1. 
If, during their respective terms, the Chief or the Deputy Chief shall resign, or can no longer act, such remaining Chiefs shall move up into the next rank and shall continue in such rank for the unexpired term of the vacancy that was created, and then shall assume their own terms of office. The most recent former chief, who is qualified to act and chooses to act, shall serve the unexpired term of the Battalion Chief until the next scheduled election is held and a new Battalion Chief is elected.
2. 
If, during his term of office, the Battalion Chief resigns or can no longer serve, an election shall be held by the Fire Department to elect a new Battalion Chief to fulfill his unexpired term from the membership of the company where the Battalion Chief is/was a member. Thereafter, such newly elected Battalion Chief shall move up in rank as set forth in this chapter.
[Amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
A. 
The Deputy Chief shall at all times assist the Chief in the performance of the Chief's duties and obey and enforce his commands and, in the absence of the Chief at a fire scene or emergency, shall act as Chief. In the absence of both the Chief and the Deputy Chief, the Battalion Chief shall act as Chief. In the absence of all said Chiefs, the highest ranking officer first at the scene shall be deemed the ranking officer at such scene, until the arrival of the Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, or Captain.
[Amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
The Chief shall at the scene of a fire or rescue call, or otherwise, have sole and absolute control of and command at the exclusion of all others in the Department. He shall cause the arrangement of fire engines and placement of all other apparatus at a fire and cause them to be used in such a manner as will extinguish the fire most quickly and effectively. He shall examine periodically the condition of the fire engines, apparatus, engine houses and all other property belonging to the Fire Department of the Town, and shall report the same and their condition to the Mayor and Council at its second meeting in December of each year, which report shall be accompanied by a statement of the number of fires that have occurred during the preceding year and the number of fires attended by him or, in his absence, by the Deputy Chief or Battalion Chief, and such information as is necessary to advise the Mayor and Council of the operation of the Department.
The members of each company shall, at a regular meeting of such company, or at a special meeting, for which there has been at least 48 hours written notice to the residence of each member, to elect to serve for two years, or to fill a vacancy, a Captain, Lieutenants, a Secretary and such other officers not inconsistent with this chapter and as the bylaws may require; the Secretary of said company shall report the results, and the names of the persons so elected thereto, at the next regular meeting of the Mayor and Council. Any company having 21 firefighters, not counting such firefighters exempted from a count in accordance with Section 12-2B8, shall have a Captain and Lieutenant.
A. 
Each company may enact rules and adopt bylaws for the government of its own company provided, however, that such rules and bylaws are consistent with local, state, and federal laws, and shall be reasonable in the furtherance of the intent of this chapter. Such rules and bylaws shall not become effective until the filing of same with the Mayor and Council. Such rules and bylaws shall not become effective until 30 days after the filing of same provided, however, the Mayor and Council do not determine that such rules and bylaws shall not become effective and stating the reasons thereof. Adequate notice of such rules and bylaws shall be given to the respective members of the company. Any change to such rules and bylaws shall not become effective until such changes have been approved by the Mayor and Council, and adequate notice of such changes is given to the respective members. It shall be presumed conclusively for the purpose of the section that adequate notice will be the posting of such rules and bylaws by the Captain in the respective firehouse for 72 hours prior to their effectiveness. The time of posting of such rules and regulations, as well as the effectiveness of same, shall appear on said rules and regulations.
B. 
The Fire Chief may establish and, from time to time, amend rules and regulations as he deems necessary for the government and efficient working of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department provided, however, that such rules and regulations are in conformity with local, state, and federal laws, and are reasonable in the furtherance of the intent of this chapter, and all such rules and regulations are approved by the Mayor and Council. Upon the retirement or leaving of office of any Fire Chief, the new Fire Chief shall review all rules and regulations voted previously upon by the Mayor and Council, and shall resubmit such rules and regulations if he wishes same to be effective, and any rules and regulations he may wish to promulgate, to the governing body for approval. No rules and regulations shall be effective until same are approved by the Mayor and Council. The promulgated rules and regulations, as well as any amendments or supplements thereto, shall be delivered to each member of the Department for them to take immediate effect upon such member. If such rules and regulations are not delivered to each member, such rules and regulations shall take effect after same have been posted in the firehouse for a period of 72 hours after such posting. It shall be the responsibility of the Captains or Lieutenants to post the rules and regulations. The time of posting and the time of effectiveness of such rules and regulations shall appear on said rules and regulations.
[Amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
A. 
Unless otherwise directed by the Chief or Deputy Chief or, in their absence, the Battalion Chief, it shall be the duty of each company to proceed diligently and immediately to a fire or place when an alarm originates upon an alarm of a fire.
B. 
No company shall remove its apparatus from any fire scene or emergency unless authorized by the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, or Battalion Chief or, in their absence, any other officers, if any, in charge at said location. Once permission is granted, such company shall return its apparatus immediately to its firehouse, and such apparatus shall be washed and prepared for the next call.
A. 
Suspensions of firefighters by captains or lieutenants. A captain or lieutenant of a fire company may suspend a firefighter of his company for any violation of this chapter or the bylaws established by his company for a period not to exceed two weeks. Further disciplinary action may only be taken against such firefighter provided that such firefighter shall be afforded a hearing by said company where said firefighter has adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard, and such decision is approved by the company's membership. Said member may appeal said suspension to a committee composed of the three Fire Chiefs. Further disciplinary action may be taken by said officers pursuant to a hearing conducted by a committee of the three Fire Chiefs, where such member has adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard. Said member may appeal committee's decision within 10 days to the Mayor and Council.
[Amended 3-13-91 by Ord. No. 91-1]
B. 
Suspension of firefighters at the scene of a fire or place when an alarm originated. The Chief, Deputy Chief or Battalion Chief, or the commanding officer at the scene of a fire or at the place where an alarm originated, may suspend any firefighters for any violation of this chapter, violation of any Rule or Regulation of the Department, or for good cause, for a period not to exceed two weeks. Said member may appeal said suspension to a committee composed of the three Fire Chiefs by providing notice to each Chief within seven days of such suspension. Further disciplinary action may be taken by said Chiefs or commanding officer pursuant to a hearing conducted by a committee of the three Fire Chiefs, where such member had adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard. Said member may appeal committee's decision within 10 days of the receipt of such decision to the Mayor and Council.
[Amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
C. 
Suspension by Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, or Battalion Chief. The Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, or Battalion Chief may suspend any member of the department for a period not to exceed one year or as deemed appropriate by the Chief for any violation of this chapter, any violation of the rules or regulations adopted by the Fire Chief pursuant to this chapter, for any good cause or for any actions of a firefighter which are detrimental to the best interests of the Fire Department or the Town of Secaucus, regardless of whether such behavior, conduct, or violation as aforesaid is at the scene of a fire or not. Said member may appeal said suspension to a committee composed of the three Fire Chiefs and a hearing conducted by a committee of the three Fire Chiefs, where said member has adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard. The suspension shall be reviewed by the committee, and the discipline term modified or further disciplinary action be taken by said committee of Chiefs. Said member may appeal the committee's decision in writing within 10 days to the Mayor and Council.
At the end of a member's suspension period, regardless of the length of the suspension, a committee composed of the three Fire Chiefs shall review the suspension situation, and further disciplinary action may be taken by said Chiefs pursuant to a hearing where said member has adequate notice and an opportunity to be heard. Said member may appeal the committee's decision in writing within 10 days to the Mayor and Council.
[Amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8; 3-28-17 by Ord. No. 2017-7]
D. 
In addition to disciplinary action authorized by Section 12-10 of this chapter, said committee of three Fire Chiefs or the Mayor and Council may, under appropriate circumstances not inconsistent with this chapter, employ the following disciplinary actions:
1. 
Oral or written reprimand.
2. 
Fine, not to exceed $500.
3. 
Suspension from duty.
4. 
Reduction in grade.
5. 
Permanent expulsion from the Department.
E. 
Suspension or expulsion of any Fire Chief from the Department. The Mayor and Council shall, upon good cause or for any violation of the laws of the State of New Jersey, or this chapter, suspend or expel any Fire Chief provided, however, that such Fire Chief shall have an opportunity to be heard before said governing body.
F. 
Suspension for fighting. Any member of the Department who enters into a fight or scuffle with another member of the Department by a mutual consent shall be immediately suspended from the Department pending a suspension/expulsion hearing. If the fight or scuffle occurs at the scene of a fire or place where an alarm originated, the commanding officer at the scene or other place shall promptly notify the member that he is immediately suspended and charged with unbecoming conduct. If the fight or scuffle occurs elsewhere, the notice shall be by any commanding officer in whose presence the incident occurred or to whom the incident is reported. Within 10 days of the suspension, a hearing shall be held before the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, or Battalion Chief on written notice to the suspended member. At the hearing, the suspended member shall be given the opportunity to be heard. The Chief hearing the matter shall determine whether the member is guilty of unbecoming conduct as charged, and, if so, whether expulsion from the Department is warranted. If the charge is sustained, the member shall serve a minimum suspension period of six months or be expelled from the force. The Chief shall give written notice of his decision to the member within five days of the hearing. The member may appeal the Chief's decision to the Mayor and Council by giving written notice thereof to the Town Administrator within 10 days of the Chief's decision. If the Fire Chief is charged with fighting, the Town Administrator shall act as the hearing officer.
[Added 11-24-98 by Ord. No. 98-36; amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8]
Each firefighter suspended from the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department in conformity with this chapter shall, during such suspension, forfeit all rights and privileges as a member of said Department, except the right to vote at Department elections and have his name appear on a ballot to run for office within the Department; such right to vote and run for office shall not be denied during such suspension period except if decided by the Mayor and Council pursuant to disciplinary hearings of such member.
[Amended 2-13-91 by Ord. No. 91-6]
A. 
Leaves of absence.
(1) 
At the discretion of the captain of each fire company, a leave of absence, not to exceed 30 days may be granted to any firefighter. Such leave of absence shall not be unreasonably denied, and no firefighter may receive a leave of absence for an aggregate of more than 30 days in any one calendar year without the consent of the Mayor and Council.
(2) 
The Mayor and Council may authorize a leave of absence for over 30 days to any firefighter for good cause.
(3) 
Any firefighter who is off the Department for one year or longer will be required to reapply as any new member would apply, including the physical examination requirement.
B. 
Transfers. Any firefighter may transfer from one fire company to another fire company in the Town, provided that such transfer is approved by the Mayor and Council upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.
C. 
Applications required by firefighters who have resigned previously. Any firefighter who seeks to become a member of any Secaucus fire company after having resigned from the Department, shall be required to apply as a new member and shall undergo a physical examination requirement.
All members of the Fire Department shall perform a minimum of 60% of all duties assigned to each member. For the purpose of this section, assigned duties shall include responses to fire, provided that this is not in conflict with such firefighter's employment, cleaning details, drills, meetings, special details, parades, and memorial services.
No repairs to Fire Department equipment or apparatus shall be made by any vendor except those under contract without the Fire Chief's approval; however, the Fire Chief may, from time to time, establish rules and regulations, if he deems it necessary, regarding any repair including such repairs that would be provided by the vendors under contract.
It shall be the duty of all members of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department to see that all firefighting equipment, apparatus, implements, and firehouses used by them are used properly and are protected from damage by neglect or otherwise; each member shall report any necessary repairs to the Fire Chief.
No fire apparatus shall be taken beyond the limits of the Town of Secaucus for any purpose, except for mutual aid use, without the consent of the Mayor and Council upon written application of the Fire Chief.
The captain of each firehouse shall be responsible for assuring that all records required to be maintained by the individual company are so kept. Such records shall include, but not be limited to, membership rosters and individual folders for each firefighter, including resignations, suspensions, expulsions, commendations, etc. No such records may be destroyed without the written approval of the Town Administrator.
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Secaucus may, at their sole discretion, suspend or disband any company from service if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Town.
[Amended 4-11-06 by Ord. No. 2006-4]
A. 
No company, firefighter, or the Department shall raise funds in the name of the Town of Secaucus, the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department, or an individual company, without the prior approval of the Town Clerk, or in his/her absence the Deputy Town Clerk, for each specific fund raising request and all advertisements and solicitations thereof. In no event shall any company, firefighter, or the Department solicit, accept or receive any payment, donations, contribution in cash or in kind from any individual, family, business, corporations or entity of any nature whatsoever which exceeds a value of $250. Any donations over $250 notify the Town Clerk or Deputy Town Clerk.
B. 
No member of the Fire Department shall use any facility, equipment, or vehicle assigned to the Fire Department to be utilized for any political purposes.
The Fire Chief shall recommend to the Mayor and Council all capital acquisitions he requests, and the other Fire Chiefs shall submit their written comments regarding such requested acquisition.
[Added 10-28-97 by Ord. No. 97-26; amended 3-27-01 by Ord. No. 2001-8; 2-8-05 by Ord. No. 2005-1; 11-9-11 by Ord. No. 2011-30; 12-21-16 by Ord. No. 2016-33]
All members of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department in good standing are entitled to the following allowances for active periods of service in the Department:
A. 
(1) 
A clothing allowance to be paid on a yearly basis in accordance with the allowance schedule approved by the Mayor and Council and kept on file with the Town Clerk; and
(2) 
A monthly allowance for responding to a specified percentage of calls to be paid on a quarterly basis in accordance with the allowance schedule approved by the Mayor and Council and kept on file with the Town Clerk.
Allowance amounts may vary according to firefighter position, rank and/or percentage of fire calls responded to in the specified time period.
[Added 9-14-10 by Ord. No. 2010-37]
The Fire Chief may, from time to time at his discretion, appoint "Safety Officers" within the department in such a number and for a duration as determined necessary by the Chief. These Safety Officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Chief. Each person appointed to the position of Safety Officer shall be certified as such and shall have all requisite training and certifications as required by law and/or regulation prior to being appointed. The Safety Officer shall have all powers and responsibility at a fire scene as authorized by law and/or regulation. To the extent these powers and responsibility are in conflict with § 12-5 of the Town's Code, this section shall control.
[Added 7-28-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-11]
The Marine Division is composed of the Marine Units assigned to the Secaucus Fire Department. Division duties are to protect the waterways, structures, vessels, people, and wildlife within the Town of Secaucus and neighboring communities. Members of the Marine Division shall meet all of the qualifications, training, certifications and age as set forth in the Town Code and the Marine Division Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines (SOGs).
[Added 7-28-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-11]
A. 
There shall be two Captains designated to oversee the Marine Division under the direction of the Chief. Captains shall oversee all training for each vessel, maintain maintenance logs of each vessel, and coordinate any repairs required.
B. 
The two Captains shall have all of the responsibilities and duties of an engine, rescue, or ladder company officer and be certified to an ICS 400 by the State of New Jersey. They shall have served in a company with, at a minimum, rank of Captain. They shall also be Coast Guard certified with a minimum of 15 years of experience of operating a vessel on tidal waterways. Captains shall also meet all of the other requirements as set forth in the Town Code and in the Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines (SOGs).
C. 
Captains shall receive all of the benefits of the rank of Captain; however, at a fire scene, the Captain of the particular company they are assigned to is in charge unless requested to assist.